No Punches Pulled with King Mega

[Robert Lotti]

Welcome to another edition of the No Punches Pulled interview series. This month, it's the current NYWC heavyweight champion King Mega

RL: Were you a wrestling fan growing up?
KM: Yeah I used to watch Georgia Championship Wrestling & UWF religously. Wasn't a fan of WWF back in the day.

RL: When did you decide you were going to be a pro wrestler?
KM: I decided to get into wrestling after my baseball career didn't get off the ground.

RL: What were your initial impressions of Mikey Whipreck?
KM: When I first met him I thought he was an OK guy, but kind of standoff-ish. In actuality, he's a great guy, someone I consider a friend and very much a realist. Being standoff-ish is a good thing in this business. You can't trust anyone.

RL: How hard was the training?
KM: It was very difficult. I actually almost quit one day, but that's not me. I'm the only one from my class who is still working today and one of a handful who didn't quit.

RL: What are your memories of your 1st match ever?
KM: Nerve racking! I was in a tag match with Wayne??? & Damien Stockade. I remember when I first went through the curtain all I saw was colors and lights instead of people. I was definitely nervous.

RL: What are your memories of QWA?
KM: QWA was cool. I thought we were going to be really big, but running a promotion is a full time job anda full time headache. Steve Austin almost made an appearance but the QWA was shut down. That would've been something.

RL: What are your memories of Tara Charisma?
KM: Tara is a tough chick. People can say whatever they want about her, but she took a powerbomb from me and I thought I actually killed her. Scared the shit out of me. To top that off, I saw her get her ass handed to her by Tom Marquez. She took a beating like a man and didn't shed a tear or quit. I have much respect for her.

RL: What are your memories of Ken Scampi?
KM: A cool dude. He's not a favorite of some people but we were always cool.

RL: What are your memories of Amazing Red/SAT?
KM: My Spanish brothers from Bushwick! We had a lot of fun on the road and they're really cool dudes. SAT were and are the most innovative tag team I've ever seen. Red is the greatest dude to train with! He would come up with spots for me intraining like it was nothing. We would train for hours. I learned a lot of moves from them.

RL: What are your memories of Papalicious?
KM: Weird...just weird.

RL: How did you end up working for ECWA?
KM: Prince Nana put in a with Jim Kettner and he booked me sight unseen. My debut match was a 6 man. Me, Nana, & Xavier vs. Red/SAT. I guess I impressed him. I've been with him ever since.

RL: What are your memories of Prince Nana?
KM: Nana needs to be on TV. VERY entertaining and a very underrated performer. One of the best promo guys to ever step into the ring. That includes anyone in WWE or TNA! We made a great tag team!

RL: What are your memories of Xavier?
KM: Very athletic good look and very down to earth dude. I thought he would have been in WWE by now.

RL: What are your memories of Low-Ki?
KM: Loyalty, honor, & respect is not a gimmick with him! GREAT athlete and very intense. He'll make a great trainer once he's done in the ring.

RL: What are your memories of Mr. Ooh La La?
KM: Took a one time idea and turned it into a great gimmick. Very knowledgable about the business.

RL: What are your memories of Trinity?
KM: Good athlete, cool with me(never did me wrong), but she screwed a great guy. Totally fucked up.

RL: What are your memories of Chris Devine?
KM: See above. He did a lot for Red, SAT, & Quiet Storm. Would have been a good trainer too.

RL: What are your memories of Brian XL?
KM: Very acrobatic, but let the streets get to him. Cool ass dude!!

To Be Continued

[Robert Lotti]

Part 2

RL: What are your memeories of Cheetah Master?
KM: Never knew Hulk Hogan wore leopard print tights. He was the most over independent wrestler I've ever seen.

RL: What are your memories of your match with Xero?
KM: Train wreck! I can still remember Matt Striker staning ringside saying "Why does he spell Zero with an X?" I almost lost it laughing in the ring.

RL: What are your memories of Carlton P Hightower?
KM: Funy guy, good manager and could cut good promos. Sad to see him leave.

RL: What are your memories of Japanese Pool Boy?
KM: Good worker....took weird to a new level....in a good way!

RL: What are your memories of The Secret Weapon?
KM: Paul was a cool dude. Physical specimen!! I was shocked when he was released from OVW and never picked up again. I miss him. R.I.P. Paul.

RL: What are your memories of winning the Boogie Woogie Brown memorial cup?
KM: It was an honor and a priviledge to win that tournament. Boogie was a great person.

RL: What are your memories of Kermon The German?
KM: That dude used more hair gel than any girl I know. Nice guy.

RL: What are your memories of Scott Wright?
KM: One of the most mature people I know. Would have been a huge star in the '80s. Understands the business inside and out. Another person who will make a great trainer. He just gets it.

RL: What are your memories of The Valedictorians?
KM: Another one time thing that's lasted for years. Very good tag team and very entertaining.

RL: What are your memories of The Heavyweights?
KM: When I first saw them I was kind of confused. I didn't get their act. Very good team andvery entertaining.

RL: What are your memories of The Guy With Red Hair?
KM: Nice...but strange I mean, really, who in their right mind would dye their hair red? lol

RL: What are your memories of Matt & Bryan Logan?
KM: Tremendous tag team. I've never faced them, but tagged with them a couple of times. Fantastic team. If they were 6 inches taller they'd be in WWE right now.

RL: How did you end up in Ring Of Honor?
KM: Rob Feinstein saw me wrestle a few times and liked what he saw. He liked that I moved well for a big man. SAT were pushing for me as well. I had a tryout in Pittsburgh and Gabe Sapolsky told me to cut a promo on the Steelers as my music was playing. Stellers just lost playoff game at the time, so Gabe wanted to see what I was made of or wanted to see me fail. Nontheless I cut a great off the cuff promo, and had a good match with Super Hentai and was hired that night.

RL: Were there any plans for you to feud with Slugga?
KM: Yeah we were each going to have our own versions of Special K and we were going to feud over who is the real Special K group. Sort of like the NWO did.

To Be Continued

[Robert Lotti]

Part 3

RL: What are your memories of Jersey All Pro Wrestling?
KM: I had a good time in JAPW. I was still in ROH when I debuted for them. Frank & Ray wanted me & Slugga to tag and wear our ROH gimmicks. I didn't want to disrespect Rob, Gabe, & Doug. So we didn't wear the suits.

RL: What are your thoughts on JAPW then and now?
KM: I'm not sure if it's because Ray isn't there anymore or what but JAPW is not what it used to be. Not by a long shot. It almost seems as though Frank is just running through the motions.

RL: What are your memories of Alison Danger?
KM: Underrated worker. She kept the fact that she's Steve Corino's sister under wraps for a while and got bookings on her own. Got to respect her for that. I had fun beating her up too! LOL

RL: What are your memories of Johnny D?
KM: Was OK. We didn't see eye to eye on much though.

RL: What are your memories of Church?
KM: OK guy but why the hell would you have a 6 foot white guy be an enforcer for 2 6' 6" black guys who ran roughshod over everyone? I know Johnny D wanted him to be his bodyguard but he shouldn't have been associated with us.

RL: Why did you stop working for JAPW?
KM: Frank & Ray never told me I was booked on a certain day. NYWC was running that day as well, so I went there. I tried to call them (and Johnny D) to confirm the booking and never got a return phone call. That turned into me no showingand throwing a monkey wrench in the ROH vs. JAPW feud.

RL: What are your memories of Jac Sabboth's Impact Championship Wrestling?
KM: Had a lot of fun. I can say that Jac never stiffed me.

RL: What are your memories of wrestling Tyler Payne on the very 1st NYWC show in 2003?
KM: We've come a long way since.

RL: What are your memories of teaming with Silvaman?
KM: We didn't have too many matches as a team, but I had a fun time teaming with him. It was different to say the least.

RL: What are your memories of Nuke?
KM: Was a real nice guy. Very agile and athletic for a big guy. It's a shame he's not working anymore.

RL: What are your memories of Mike Mayhem?
KM: Mike was real good. Good teacher and has a hot Mom! LOL

RL: What are your memories of teaming with Mike Tobin?
KM: We could have gone much further as a team. We were broken up waaay too soon. My second favorite road partner after Prince Nana.

RL: What are your memories of Mason Raige?
KM: I remember when I first saw him, I thought the guy had a lot of potential and would definitely be in WWE if he stuck with it. He should be there now. Very cool dude and a great person.

RL: What are your memories of Dickie Rodz?
KM: He & I go way back. Had some fun matches together and even though I kicked his ass a few months ago, he still calls me his idol.

RL: What are your memories of Southern Vinny Stylin'?
KM: The original Dirty Redneck! Funny dude, but kind of weird at times.

RL: What are your memories of Joey Matthews?
KM: I've known him since the HWA days. Great worker...very underrated. Him & Christian York made a great tag team. Every time I watched MNM. I thought of York & Matthews.

RL: What are your memories of Johnny Ova?
KM: Decent guy...nice matches with Dan Barry.

RL: What are your memories of Dan Barry?
KM: Very innovative dude. Nice finisher.

RL: What are your memories of your match with Michael Sain?
KM: Had a lot of fun.

RL: What are your memories of your match with Havok?
KM: Hard hitting!!!

RL: What are your memories of Mike Mondo?
KM: Gut check time!! I was very proud to see him in WWE. Great attitude and work ethic.

RL: What are your memories of Brett Matthews & Brian Myers?
KM: Had fun kicking their asses with Joey Braggiol. We had some great matches together.

RL: What are your memories of teaming with Joey Braggiol?
KM: Had fun teaming with him, but that's in the past.

RL: What are your memories of Psycho Circus 2006?
KM: Painful match... a Samoan drop on a stack of chairs hurts!

RL: What are your memories of Billy & Danny Angus?
KM: They never took wrestling seriously enough. They could've been a lot better.

RL: What are your memories of Eddie Guapo?
KM: A lot of fun teaming with him! My second favorite partner after Nana. We got a TON of heat!!

RL: What are your memories of Big Daddy Haystacks?
KM: My dude!

RL: What are your memories of Spyder?
KM: Lots of skills...great with a needle and thread! LOL

RL: What are your memories of Oscar?
KM: My memories of him are short! LOL

RL: What are your memories of Dan Dynasty?
KM: Got into good shape towards the end. I didn't like the fact that he "retired" the same night as Mikey. Very disrespectful.

RL: What are your memories of Psycho Circus 2007?
KM: Got a RUSH powerbombing Tony Burma through a table! Great match...and I was officially a winner since I never got eliminated!

RL: What are your memories of Matt Striker?
KM: Would have made a tremendous WWF star in the 80s. Always knew he would make it. Very good at stirring emotions or rallying fans behind him. Very close friend of mine to this day.

RL: What are your memories of Papadon?
KM: A real student of the game and a great family man. He's gotten into great shape over the years.

RL: What are your memories of Fredrick Of Hollywood?
KM: Great look! We've had a few matches together and we've taken each other to the limit.

RL: What are your memories of Tony Burma?
KM: I've kicked his ass a few times. He's a good wrestler. VERY underrated! I heard he likes to spend time licking his wounds in Las Vegas.

To Be Continued

[Robert Lotti]

The Conclusion

RL: What are your memories of Mike Spinelli?
KM: He's a warrior! A lot of guys could not have done what he did a couple of years ago. He had a rough go at it a while ago. I saw him recently and he looks great.

RL; What are your memories of Damien Dragon & Foxy?
KM: Nice people...Damien likes to get his shit in too much though.

RL: What are your memories of Pat Buck aka Ru Starr?
KM: Has matured a great deal since I first met him. He deserves a developmental contract.

RL: What are your memories of Jerry Lynn?
KM: Awesome person! We've danced a couple of times and I learned a lot from him. I wish he was still an NYWC regular.

RL: What are your memories of the 8 man tag team match at Borrowed Time 2007?
KM: None at all.

RL: What are your memories of matches against Spike Dudley?
KM: Had a good time kicking his ass too! LOL! Seriously, spike is a great ring general, very humble and down to earth. A lot of veterans can stand to learn a thing or two from him.

RL: What are your memories of teaming with Prince Nana?
KM: What can I say, he's my brother from another mother. We had a great run in ECWA as part of Royal Decision and an even better run as NYWC tag champs! Very fun times!

RL: What are your memories of Grim Reefer?
KM: The most out of shape high flyer I have ever seen! LOL! Ridicously acrobatic and severely underrated worker. More than held his own in a shoot against Michael Shane at NWA Cyberspace. Definitely repped NYC that night!

RL: What are your memories of Mana?
KM: As tough as he was in the ring, he was just as cool outside it. I hope we can work again someday.

RL: What are your memories of Ref Andre?
KM: I've known Andre since 2000. I was so sad to see him retire, but happy he went out on his own terms.

RL: What are your memories of NYWC commentators Mike Scat & Peter?
KM: Wow...I forgot they even existed! I thought they had a cool thing going. What ever happend to them?

RL: What are your memories of Nick Vrona?
KM: Great ring announcer. The epitome of what a ring announcer should look and sound like.

RL: What are your memories of Plazma?
KM: A skinny kid who grew up, grew into his body, worked hard and now is in WWE. I'm very proud of him.

RL: What are your memories of Dead Presidents?
KM: I had a LOT of fun wrestling them. You know you've got your work cut our for you the minute you know you have them in a match that night.

RL: What are your memories of Black Circle?
KM: I ran through those fools like a hot knife through butter. Should have dropped Stockade a long time ago. A HUGE weak link for that team. Syther smartened up and dropped the dead weight finally.

RL: What are your memories of winning the NYWC heavyweight title from Mikey?
KM: It was first and last match against him. It was an honor and a priviledge to pin my trainer for my 1st heavyweight title. I couldn't ask for a better scenario. I only wish that he was 100% healthy that night.

RL: What are your memories of your match with Bruno Marciano?
KM: One word...STIFF! LOL

RL: What are your memories of Psycho Circus '08?
KM: Don't know how I made it. I was sick as a dog that night. I went to the hospital a couple of days later and found out I had pneumonia, bronchitis, and a viral infection. I was in bed for 2 weeks.

RL: What are your memories of your match with Kevin Matthews?
KM: He got to the building and was getting dressed as the match before us had just ended. It was good considering the circumstances.

RL: What are your memories of Big John Silver?
KM: Strong for a little runt!

RL: What are your memories of Jamie Van Lemer?
KM: Needs to get focused and drop some weight.

RL: What are your memories of Vaughn Jackson?
KM: Needs to get healthy. Once he does I can see him going places.

RL: What are your memories of Speedy?
KM: Short, fat, and full of excuses?

RL: What are your memories of matches against Joey Braggiol?
KM: Extremely agile for a big man. Not as good as me, but he's right there.

RL: What are your memories of Maverick?
KM: No comment

RL: What are your memories or you & Mac Daddy Flex vs. Jim Duggan & Super Crazy in a match that was taped for WWE Heat?
KM: Got DQed by a referee who I heard was a kiss ass to the office. We didn't get any HEAT(pun intended) for blowing the match, but it was still a cool experience.

RL: Word Association
Mikey Whipwreck
KM: Great trainer, great worker, great person

RL: Curse
KM: My idol

RL: Crusher Doogan
KM: Lucky guy

RL: Ref Forge
KM: Old!

RL: Dickie Rodz
KM: Needs to go solo

RL: Alex Reynolds
KM: Great associate...it's not really a gimmick? LOL

RL: Jac Sabboth
KM: Means well

RL: Greg Stengel
KM: What happened?

RL: NYWC Fangirls(they used to sit in the front row at shows)
KM: I think they've been replaced.

RL: Prince Charles
KM: Puts money into his job!

RL: Joe Graves
KM: Stop yelling into the mic!

RL: Shane
KM: Crack kills!

RL: Jim Londos
KM: Drawing a blank

RL: Bruno Marciano
KM: Has come a long way...very respectful too

RL: Benny Martinez
KM: Needs to go solo too.

RL: Stockade
KM: Despite what I said before, he's a good dude.

RL: Syther
KM: Gotten his head back in the game.

RL: Azrieal
KM: From Special K to NYWC to

RL: Francis Kipland Stevens
KM: Very respectful.

RL: What do you think of peolpe who fake post on message boards?
KM: They need to get a life. Don't they have something better to do?

RL: What are your thoughts on the NYWC message board?
KM: More people need to participate. It's a good board.

RL: You heard what the King said folks. Do you still watch wrestling today?
KM: Yeah I still watch it. I'm still a fan, I love seeing my friends on TV and I like stealing moves!

RL: Where do you see NYWC in 5 years?
KM: Running weekly double shot shows all over NYC, NJ, & CT.

RL: Are there any promotions you'd like to work for or work again for?
KM: Obviously, I'd like to work for the WWE again. I would like tour Japan as well.

RL: Is there any advice you would give to someone who'd like to get into the business?
KM: You have to be prepared to give 110% mentally and physically. It's ver demanding on your mind, body, & soul and if you can't commit to giving everything you've got, then find something else to do.

RL: Is there anything you would like to say to the fans?
KM: Thanks for reading, get your friends on the NYWC message board and make sure you're in attendance January 30, 2010. I promise to put on the performance of a lifetime! Maverick, your time is near!

RL: The King said it again folks join this board. Thank you for your time King Mega. This was a wondeful interview.

[thebullfather]

why no comment about Maverick?!?!?

[thebullfather]

How many shows did Mega do for ROH??? I don't remember him being part of ROH.

[thebullfather]

unless he was a weapon of mass destruction under a mask, which there was many of!

[Robert Lotti]

Jan 20, 2010 20:30:04 GMT -5 thebullfather said:

unless he was a weapon of mass destruction under a mask, which there was many of!

He started appearing on main ROH shows in March 2003. He would come out and confront Slugga until the Special K guys would get in the way. Had they got to meet one on one, it would have been an awesome match.